The Universe Is Natural; Theoretical Physics Is The Problem
We have made a great deal of progress in understanding the cosmos over the last 100 years. However, cosmological paradigms have a shelf-life, and it is becoming increasingly clear that the prevailing conventional paradigm is nearing the end of its utility. Lately it has lead us into the very unproductive territory of string theory, supersymmetry, WIMP no-shows, dubious anthropic reasoning, and worst of all the multiverse cop-out.
The problem is certainly not with observational and experimental science. It is theoretical physics that has become quite unnatural and is leading us into one cul-de-sac after another. It is surely time to consider radically different cosmological paradigms that start with a different set of fundamental assumptions, make definitive predictions, and successfully pass those rigid observational tests.
We need to back off on the mediocre ad hoc model building/”adjusting” and study nature again. As Einstein advised, it is in nature that you will find the answers to your questions.